Having a handprint keepsake from your baby does not have to cost a lot of money to produce. Matter of fact with the right materials a babies can get plastered within a hour or so. This is a traditional baby handpring craft that dates back to roman time and has been duplicated over the years. Unfortunately, time does erase these experiences as new and more exciting projects come out. But, hanprint crafts are starting to come back as mothers are starting to reconnect with there kids.

Lets begin and see what is necessary to complete this craft project. You may want to get an apron or a towel for this type of project as it tends to get a little messy especially when it is time to start mixing the plaster and dipping you infants hands into the mixture.

Here are the materials that you need. Plaster of Paris, this is available at any craft store like Michaels or Joann. If neither of these stores are near you try to order the plaster online from there online stores. Hardware stores may carry the plaster also. Next, get 1 1/4 cups of water, a small container to mix the plaster and water, a mixing spoon and a paper plate. You may also want to go and find a stand or frame to show off this craft when your done.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials it is now time to mix together the materials to form the mix that you are going to dip your babies hand into. Once the mix has been put together you have approx. 20 minutes to make the cast before the mixture will dry up.

Now add 2 cups of the plaster of Paris to 1 1/4 cups of water in the small container. You want to get a smooth mixture of the two so add the plaster slowly to the water to get all the lumps and air pockets out. You want to add about a quarter of a cup to the water at a time and stir to mix of a minute 60 seconds. Do this until the plaster is gone and you have a consistent mix. When the mix is thick enough, about he consistency of baby food pour it into the paper plate.

Now, go get your baby and wash off his/her hands to remove any dirt or food. Any dirt or food in the mixture may make the cast less strong. Now, press your babies hands into the plaster mixture to form the mold. Do this gently as you don't want to hurt the baby. Let the babies hands stay in the plaster for 180 seconds to allow the plaster to set. Remove your babies hand and wash the excess plaster off. You don't want to have that set on my childs hands. You may want to have 2 or 3 mixtures ready in case the first does not work. Now the waiting game begins. Let the plaster sit for 12 to 24 hours to allow it to dry.

Once try take your frame or plate stand and mount that sucker up for all to see. This is a traditional baby handprint craft ready to go.